Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016
271. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills the minimum number of pupils required by a school (details supplied) to maintain its two-teacher school status; the lowest number of pupils to maintain it as a one-teacher school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22380/16]
View answerThe criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts for the 2016/2017 school year is set out in Circular 0007/2016. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on 30 September 2015.
Budget 2016 provides for a one point adjustment to the staffing allocation to primary schools, which has been implemented for the 2016/17 school year. This will see the primary staffing schedule operate on the basis of a general average of 1 classroom teacher for every 27 pupils. Lower thresholds apply for DEIS Band 1 schools.
The retention figures are reduced to 18, 52, and 82 for 2, 3 and 4 teacher schools respectively. Separately, a threshold of 15 pupils applies for the appointment and retention of the 2nd mainstream classroom teacher for those schools situated 8km or more from the nearest school of the same type of patronage/language of instruction.
The school referred to by the Deputy has an enrolment of 27 pupils and therefore will maintain its two teacher status for the 2016/17 school year.
